Tom Walkinshaw's comments about F1

[Sodemo]

I wonder if anyone has read TWR's comments on F1?

He just says that F1 is basically boring and that he has some ideas that might spice it up.

here read:
http://www.dailyf1.com/en/news/2001/august/27d.shtml

[Quino]

Looks like he seriously lost it.

"not too artificial"

Well, can it get more artificial?

I can understand why he is saying it, but I reckon not many teamowners will follow. Not mentioning the odd Paul Stoddard or Alain Prost of course.

[economy_waffle]

yeah well hes not saying much different to what other people are saying - improve mechanical grip but lower aerodynamical grip by increasing car width, tyre width etc. i think MS, Jackie Stewart, DC and many other people have sed it - hopefully the FIA might listen to everybody's suggestion but im guessing it would be "too dangerous" and "speed the cars up"

[Sodemo]

Well if its "too dangerous" and will "speed the cars up" why don't they reduce engine capacity, and increase ride height to "slow the cars down" and "make them nice and safe"?.

[economy_waffle]

are you crabby at all? cos that didnt sound nice.

[Piquet]

Well Bernie & the boys will never go for that idea of Tom's - but you know something - it would make pretty damn good viewing! just think how much fun qualifying can be when the drivers expect rain or if the track starts drying out near the end of the session - fun stuff like that!
One things for sure, they need to start thinking a bit more about spicing things up !!

[Sodemo]

who's crabby?

[Champ69]

I think the shoot idea is great.

But I do not think that it would get through as Ferrari, McLaren and Williams have to much to loose

[AGGY]

Basic problem is that audiences are at a all time high,i think alot of people are watching with less interest than in the past,but the TV is still on.

Anything that could improve overtaking would be desirable.

[racer69]

This might have had a better chance of being introduced if it was proposed in 1991 or 1992.

[mac]

I completely agree with Tom's comments about a shootout.

[Free_radical]

People with more credibility in F1(and better ideas than his) have made the same point about increasing the spectacle. But, F1 in its existing format has made inroads into new geographical areas as never before. I think F1 has a bit of the 'if it ain't broke, why fix it' attitude. That's a pity because it could be much more entertaining that it is now. I think a part of the reason is MS' domination of F1. The Senna-Prost etc. rivalries of old, could also spice things up.

[Stephen Green]

What he's suggesting is a mixture of TOCA and Stock Car rules, nothing new really. As for getting rid of aerodynamics, I've lost count of the number of years that's been suggested. Even Adrian Newey said it years ago.

If we went back to the old days of wide slicks, no 'iffy' under-trays, a smaller front and rear wings along with steel brakes, you might, just might, see overtaking once again.

Overtaking = good racing. Then the TV audience would really increase!

[Nicholas]

In their view it wouldn't be broke because they've got stacks of money every year. They'll milk it 'till the last minute.

[Stephen Green]

Sadly Nicholas I think you are right!

[paulzinho]

Manual gearboxes are the first step to making F1 (more) exciting

[Bononi]

Originally posted by Free_radical
People with more credibility in F1(and better ideas than his) have made the same point about increasing the spectacle. But, F1 in its existing format has made inroads into new geographical areas as never before. I think F1 has a bit of the 'if it ain't broke, why fix it' attitude. That's a pity because it could be much more entertaining that it is now. I think a part of the reason is MS' domination of F1. The Senna-Prost etc. rivalries of old, could also spice things up.

Radical, I think you hit the nail there... first Walkinshark as he's well known in F1, is not highly rated there, specially if he wants Bernie's place. But to finish the matter, "if it's making a lot of money this way, why change it ???".